How to Measure for Your New Kitchen (and Get It Right First Time)

Look, I get it. You’ve decided to take the plunge and order a supply-only kitchen. You’re cutting out the middleman, saving a bundle, and getting a trade-quality kitchen for a fraction of the price you’d pay in a showroom. But there’s one thing standing in your way: the tape measure.

Measuring for a new kitchen can feel like a high-stakes game. Get it right, and you’re a hero. Get it wrong, and you’re looking at costly mistakes, frustrating delays, and cabinets that just don’t fit. I’ve been in this trade for over 20 years, and I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen people forget to account for skirting boards, mis-measure for their new American-style fridge-freezer, or assume their walls are perfectly straight (they never are).

But here’s the good news: measuring your kitchen isn’t as daunting as it seems. You don’t need to be a professional kitchen fitter to get it right. You just need a plan, a bit of patience, and a few tips from someone who’s done it thousands of times. So, grab a tape measure, a pencil, and a piece of paper, and let’s get this done together.

First things first, you need a simple sketch of your kitchen. It doesn’t have to be a work of art. Just a basic bird’s-eye view of the room will do. Draw the walls, and mark the positions of all the doors and windows. This will be your map.

Now, let’s start measuring. The golden rule is to measure everything twice. I’m serious. Even the pros do it. Measure each wall from corner to corner at base unit height. Then, do it again at wall unit height. You’d be surprised how often walls aren’t perfectly plumb. Write down the smallest measurement – it’s always better to have a bit of extra room to play with than not enough.

Next, you need to mark the position of all your services: the water supply for your sink and dishwasher, the gas or electrical supply for your hob, and any electrical sockets. Measure from the corner of the wall to the centre of each service point. This is crucial for making sure your new cabinets and appliances will fit with your existing plumbing and wiring.

Don’t forget about the windows and doors. Measure from the corner of the wall to the edge of the architrave, and then measure the width of the architrave itself. You’ll also need to measure the height from the floor to the bottom of the windowsill. This will determine the height of your base units and worktop.

Finally, let’s talk about appliances. If you’re keeping your existing appliances, measure them carefully – width, height, and depth. If you’re buying new ones, get the exact dimensions from the manufacturer. Don’t just guess. A few millimetres can make all the difference.

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is forgetting to account for the small things. Skirting boards, window sills, and even wonky walls can all throw your measurements off. That’s why it’s so important to take your time and be thorough. Run your tape measure along the wall at different heights to check for bows and dips. It’s these little details that can make or break a kitchen installation.

Once you’ve got all your measurements, you’re ready to start planning your new kitchen. You can bring your sketch and your measurements to our showroom in Manchester, and we’ll help you design the perfect layout. Or, if you’re ready to order, you can send them over to us via our contact page.

Ordering a supply-only kitchen is a smart move. It’s a great way to get a high-quality kitchen without the showroom price tag. And with a bit of careful measuring, you can make sure your new kitchen is a perfect fit. So, don’t be intimidated by the tape measure. Follow these steps, take your time, and you’ll be well on your way to your dream kitchen.